Light and Space denotes a loosely-affiliated art movement related to op art, minimalism and geometric abstraction originating in Southern California in the 1960s and influenced by John McLaughlin.[1] It was characterized by a focus on perceptual phenomena, such as light, volume and scale, and the use of materials such as glass, neon, fluorescent lights, resin and cast acrylic, often forming installations conditioned by the work's surroundings. Whether by directing the flow of natural light, embedding artificial light within objects or architecture, or by playing with light through the use of transparent, translucent or reflective materials, Light and Space artists made the spectator’s experience of light and other sensory phenomena under specific conditions the focus of their work.[2] They were incorporating into their work the latest technologies of the Southern California based engineering and aerospace industries to their develop sensuous, light-filled objects.[3]
The nature of the works was reflected in the title of the exhibition at UCLA which introduced the emerging movement in 1971: "Transparency, Reflection, Light, Space".[4] The show presented the work of Peter Alexander, Larry Bell, Robert Irwin, John McCracken and Craig Kauffman. Other artists associated with the movement are Ron Cooper, Mary Corse, Bruce Nauman, Maria Nordman, Eric Orr, Helen Pashgian, Marcia Roberts, James Turrell, DeWain Valentine, and Doug Wheeler.[5][6] A famous group of abstract color theory artists were influenced by the Light and Space Movement, notably: Frederick Spratt,[7] Phil Sims, Anne Appleby, and David Simpson. Notable contemporary and emerging female artists inspired by the Light and Space Movement include Jennifer Steinkamp and Sophia Collier.
